Economic Development Director
City of Victoria TX, Victoria, TX, United States
Job Summary
Under general direction, leads the implementation of the City of Victoria’s Economic Development Strategic Plan by coordinating partnerships, driving business recruitment and retention efforts, and supporting strategic growth initiatives. This position serves as a primary liaison with developers, business leaders, regional partners, and governmental agencies to promote a pro‑business environment and attract new investment.
The role manages the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (Type B) and departmental budget, ensuring alignment with City Council goals, while advancing redevelopment initiatives, overseeing incentive programs, and supporting funding opportunities. Provides data‑driven analysis, reports, and recommendations to leadership and plays a key role in shaping economic growth and long‑term community success.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Spearheads the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Victoria.
Monitors the departmental budget and budgets from economic development initiatives and partners; participates in the development of the annual City budget.
Coordinates economic development efforts between the City, Victoria Port Authority, Victoria Regional Airport, Victoria County, A&M‑Victoria, Victoria College, Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (VSTDC), and the Victoria Economic Development Corporation (VEDC).
Provides leadership in developing short‑ and long‑term economic and community development plans, including conducting research, preparing studies, reports, and recommendations, and proactively collaborating with the City’s Planning Department on future land‑use initiatives.
Prepares and maintains data related to demographics, utilities, taxes, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes and comprehensive reports as required.
Provides professional economic development guidance; assists with application and permitting processes; and serves as an advocate for the City’s economic development priorities, ordinances, and goals. Extends this advocacy through coordination with external partners, including the County and Council of Governments (e.g., CEDS), ensuring the City of Victoria maintains a strong and active presence in regional initiatives.
Works closely with the City of Victoria Chamber of Commerce, A&M‑Victoria Small Business Development Center, VEDC and various other boards and commissions to identify areas of concern and effectively foster a “pro‑business” environment for the City of Victoria.
Uses a well‑defined marketing strategy to attract prospective commercial and retail developments to the area.
Establishes relationships with existing and new developers to identify growth opportunities in the area.
Promotes business retention and expansion (“BRE”) by building strong relationships with local employers and/or business owners, carefully documenting all interactions as part of the City’s overall BRE programming.
Oversees real estate and redevelopment initiatives, including management of City‑owned properties and negotiation of development agreements.
Identifies and pursues funding opportunities for economic and community development growth (e.g., public and private sources).
Serves as the primary point of contact for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism, commercial developers, site selectors, brokers, and entrepreneurs.
Serves as a liaison with various local, state, and federal agencies; coordinates projects with agencies as necessary and appropriate.
Provides information and makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public related to economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
Manages and markets incentive programs such as tax abatements, grants, and public‑private partnerships.
Establishes relationships with foreign direct investment stakeholders such as international counterparts and the U.S. Commercial Service.
Attends City Council, Victoria Sales Tax Corporation, Downtown TIRZ, Housing Finance Corporation, and Public Facility Corporation meetings and work sessions, as needed, to support the economic development needs of the City.
Attends and participates in industry‑related professional associations, conventions, conferences, and trade shows, including continuing educational opportunities.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent meetings and site visits. Attendance at evening meetings, community events and occasional travel is required.
Education Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in community or economic development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge Of
Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
General office policies, procedures, and practices.
Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.
Supervisory principles and practices.
Budget development and administration.
Principles of data analytics.
Principles and practices of program economic development and administration.
Grant and contract management.
Municipal planning and development processes.
Skill In
Strong knowledge of economic development tools, incentives, and financing mechanisms.
Ability to interpret plans, codes, and ordinances.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
Ability to manage budgets, organize priorities, and meet deadlines.
Effective leadership and supervision of staff.
Proficient in data entry, record‑keeping, and maintaining accurate files.
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and present to varied audiences.
Ability to interact tactfully and professionally with staff, agencies, and the public.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with GIS, AI, CRM systems or economic development software.
Required Contacts
Employee has direct contact with citizens and all levels of employees when answering inquiries.
License and Certification Requirements
Must possess a valid state driver’s license that meets the city guideline.
CEcD, EDFP, or EDP certification or completion of a recognized economic development program (e.g., PCED, IEDC, GrowAmerica, or TEDC) is preferred.
Required Qualifications Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent meetings and site visits. Attendance at evening meetings, community events and occasional travel is required.
Benefits The City of Victoria offers a complete benefits package to full‑time employees that includes but is not limited to: health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 City match, short and long‑term disability, holidays, vacation, sick leave, paid parental leave, longevity pay and credit union.
Check out our great wellness programs! Please visit the Human Resources Department’s
benefits page
for more details.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The role manages the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (Type B) and departmental budget, ensuring alignment with City Council goals, while advancing redevelopment initiatives, overseeing incentive programs, and supporting funding opportunities. Provides data‑driven analysis, reports, and recommendations to leadership and plays a key role in shaping economic growth and long‑term community success.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Spearheads the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Victoria.
Monitors the departmental budget and budgets from economic development initiatives and partners; participates in the development of the annual City budget.
Coordinates economic development efforts between the City, Victoria Port Authority, Victoria Regional Airport, Victoria County, A&M‑Victoria, Victoria College, Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (VSTDC), and the Victoria Economic Development Corporation (VEDC).
Provides leadership in developing short‑ and long‑term economic and community development plans, including conducting research, preparing studies, reports, and recommendations, and proactively collaborating with the City’s Planning Department on future land‑use initiatives.
Prepares and maintains data related to demographics, utilities, taxes, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes and comprehensive reports as required.
Provides professional economic development guidance; assists with application and permitting processes; and serves as an advocate for the City’s economic development priorities, ordinances, and goals. Extends this advocacy through coordination with external partners, including the County and Council of Governments (e.g., CEDS), ensuring the City of Victoria maintains a strong and active presence in regional initiatives.
Works closely with the City of Victoria Chamber of Commerce, A&M‑Victoria Small Business Development Center, VEDC and various other boards and commissions to identify areas of concern and effectively foster a “pro‑business” environment for the City of Victoria.
Uses a well‑defined marketing strategy to attract prospective commercial and retail developments to the area.
Establishes relationships with existing and new developers to identify growth opportunities in the area.
Promotes business retention and expansion (“BRE”) by building strong relationships with local employers and/or business owners, carefully documenting all interactions as part of the City’s overall BRE programming.
Oversees real estate and redevelopment initiatives, including management of City‑owned properties and negotiation of development agreements.
Identifies and pursues funding opportunities for economic and community development growth (e.g., public and private sources).
Serves as the primary point of contact for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism, commercial developers, site selectors, brokers, and entrepreneurs.
Serves as a liaison with various local, state, and federal agencies; coordinates projects with agencies as necessary and appropriate.
Provides information and makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public related to economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
Manages and markets incentive programs such as tax abatements, grants, and public‑private partnerships.
Establishes relationships with foreign direct investment stakeholders such as international counterparts and the U.S. Commercial Service.
Attends City Council, Victoria Sales Tax Corporation, Downtown TIRZ, Housing Finance Corporation, and Public Facility Corporation meetings and work sessions, as needed, to support the economic development needs of the City.
Attends and participates in industry‑related professional associations, conventions, conferences, and trade shows, including continuing educational opportunities.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent meetings and site visits. Attendance at evening meetings, community events and occasional travel is required.
Education Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in community or economic development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge Of
Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
General office policies, procedures, and practices.
Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.
Supervisory principles and practices.
Budget development and administration.
Principles of data analytics.
Principles and practices of program economic development and administration.
Grant and contract management.
Municipal planning and development processes.
Skill In
Strong knowledge of economic development tools, incentives, and financing mechanisms.
Ability to interpret plans, codes, and ordinances.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
Ability to manage budgets, organize priorities, and meet deadlines.
Effective leadership and supervision of staff.
Proficient in data entry, record‑keeping, and maintaining accurate files.
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and present to varied audiences.
Ability to interact tactfully and professionally with staff, agencies, and the public.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with GIS, AI, CRM systems or economic development software.
Required Contacts
Employee has direct contact with citizens and all levels of employees when answering inquiries.
License and Certification Requirements
Must possess a valid state driver’s license that meets the city guideline.
CEcD, EDFP, or EDP certification or completion of a recognized economic development program (e.g., PCED, IEDC, GrowAmerica, or TEDC) is preferred.
Required Qualifications Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent meetings and site visits. Attendance at evening meetings, community events and occasional travel is required.
Benefits The City of Victoria offers a complete benefits package to full‑time employees that includes but is not limited to: health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 City match, short and long‑term disability, holidays, vacation, sick leave, paid parental leave, longevity pay and credit union.
Check out our great wellness programs! Please visit the Human Resources Department’s
benefits page
for more details.
#J-18808-Ljbffr